Asia-Africa Journal of Agriculture

EFFECTS OF CHROMIUM ON THE GROWTH AND IMMUNOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKENS

2022-02-27T13:53:39-08:00

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of varying levels of chromium picolinate (CrPic) on the growth performance and mineral retention of chickens during a 35-day experiment. A total of 180 broilers were randomly allocated into 0 (control), 500 ppb (μg kg-1) Cr and 3000 ppb Cr groups with 6 replicates (10 birds/pen). Thirty-six birds were then subjected to the metabolic experiment. The results of the study revealed that there were no significant differences in average body weight gain between groups, but feed conversion ratio (FCR) in 3000 ppb group was better than control group during 1-21 days. The carcass yielded slightly lower than control after being given high concentrations of chromium picolinate. Retention ratio of Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, and P were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the 500 ppb Cr group. The addition of CrPic caused the mineral concentrations in the livers to increase. It also decreased the H/L and heterophils ratio and increased lymphocytes. The chickens did not exhibit the Newcastle disease antibody titer. However, the added CrPic improved the retention of zinc, Fe Ca, and Cr in the liver.

FACTORS OF EXTENSION OFFICERS JOB BURNOUT AND COPING STRATEGIES IN NORTHERN LESOTHO

2022-02-27T13:45:11-08:00

The demand for extension services has become more prevalent as the factors that drive the demand for these services are daunting and require a motivated work force. A simple random technique was used to select 120 extension agents from 328. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire (reliability coefficient of 0.85) and were analyzed with frequency counts, percentages one-way analysis of variance and multiple regressions. The result shows that Burnout symptoms manifest mostly as depression (48%), insomnia (40%), headaches (43%), and weight loss (44%). The study suggests that extension agents adopt various coping strategies such as maintaining a positive attitude, setting realistic goals, and maintaining a healthy relationship with their co-workers. It also suggests that young and dynamic extension agents should be groomed to face the challenges of working with burnout.

FACTORS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICERS

2022-02-27T13:59:00-08:00

The main objective of the Agricultural Extension Field Personnel is to provide useful information to the farming community about new technologies. This is done in a variety of ways, such as by spreading knowledge about new equipment and farming techniques. Performance of an Agricultural Extension Field Personnel is also affected by the level of adoption of new technologies. This study focused on the factors that affect the performance of an Agricultural Extension Field Personnel in a district in Pishin. The study was carried out in Baluchistan's Pishin district to collect data on 100 individuals who were involved in the field activities related to agriculture. The results revealed that all (100%) respondents were above illiteracy level while 70 % of the respondents were belonged to rural area. The results of the study revealed that less than fifty (43 and 44%) of the respondents were not satisfied with residential and transport facilities respectively while 50, 45 and 37% of the respondents were satisfied about the area under supervision, provision of the agriculture literature and office location respectively. The results also showed that a majority of the respondents thought that the promotion of staff members was not warranted. About half of the respondents stated that they were never given any duties aside from their supervisor.

A Review Application of Machine Learning in Agriculture Supply Chain to Improve Food and Agriculture Industry

2022-02-02T22:02:37-08:00

The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been evident in the agricultural sector recently. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a creative tool that simulates the human intelligence and ability processes by machines, principally computer systems, robotics, and digital equipment The world population is expected to reach over 9 billion by 2050, which will require an increase in agricultural and food production by 70% to fit the need, a serious challenge for the agric-food industry. Such requirement, in a context of resources scarcity, climate change, COVID-19 pandemic, and very harsh socioeconomic conjecture, is difficult to fulfill without the intervention of computational tools and forecasting strategy. Hereby, the study report the importance of artificial intelligence and machine learning as a predictive multidisciplinary approach integration to improve the food and agriculture sector, yet with some limitations. The prospect to the challenges among others include training of humans to operate AI and Machine learning system. This is needed inorder to curb the major problem of unemployment which AI and Machine learning system will introduce due to the capability of the system to do the majority of the repetitive works and tasks.

VARIABLES INFLUENCING EXTENSION WORKERS EFFICIENCY ON AGRICULTURE ENTERPRISES VENTURES

2022-02-27T13:56:55-08:00

Agricultural entrepreneurs play a vital role in developing economies globally. In Zimbabwe, the government has a policy that encourages the formation and promotion of agricultural enterprises. Through the Department of Agriculture & Forestry, the government has been working towards uplifting the lives of the poor through the establishment of agriculturally based enterprises. However, an investigation conducted by an independent research firm revealed that the government's support for these ventures is seriously inadequate. The report also noted that the lack of skilled and experienced extension workers undermines the government's efforts to support agricultural enterprises. It was therefore suggested that extension workers be trained to provide quality services in order to sustain and enhance the operations of these ventures.

STUDENTS FIELD PERFORMANCE AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILL ACQUISITION LEVEL FOR SELF RELIANCE IN FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY

2022-01-31T16:24:15-08:00

The study assessed students’ response level to field performance as indices for determining the development of entrepreneurial skill in pond fish farming for self-reliance. Two objectives, two research questions and two hypotheses directed the study. Completely randomized design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised of intact class 36 sampled of 300 level students of Agricultural Education. The study was conducted at Agricultural Education fish farm unit, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. A 12-field performance task structured instrument with a five point rating options was used for data collection. The instrument was subjected to content validation by five validates from the Department of Agriculture Education and Fisheries from the University of Uyo. Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the reliability of the instrument and a correlation index of .810 was obtained. Mean was used in answering research questions, while t-test was used in testing hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The finding revealed that there is no significant difference in the mean rating of lecturers/technologists in students’ level of field performance task in fish feeding, fish sorting and development of entrepreneurial skill in pond fish farming technology for self-reliance.

QUAIL MEAT CHARACTERISTICS: CHEMICAL CONSTITUENT AND QUALITY

2022-02-27T13:54:45-08:00

Due to the increasing popularity of Japanese quails as a food source, the study aimed to analyze the quality and composition of the meat from these animals. The study revealed that the slaughter yield of Japanese quails ranged from 64 to 65%. The differences in the meat composition were due to the different parts of the animal. The pH level, as well as the free water percentage, of the meat were also variable within 24 hours after the animals were slaughtered. The water retention capacity of the meat was also better in female quails.

SUSTAINABLE IRRIGATION FARMING: THE ROLE EXTENSION OFFICERS TO SMALLHOLDERS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICTS OF LESOTHO

2022-02-27T13:50:38-08:00

Water resources could be used to improve the lives of Lesotho's citizens. However, the country is currently experiencing food shortages due to severe droughts. This paper aims to explore the role of extension support in developing sustainable irrigation farming in Lesotho. A survey was carried out among irrigation farmers and extension officers in four districts of Lesotho. A structural questionnaire was administered amongst 153 irrigation farmers and 31 extension officers randomly. The results revealed that 70% of irrigation farmers did not consider extension as important for their management decisions. Although extension workers are highly skilled, they are not qualified to provide irrigation management support. This is a critical component of sustainable irrigation farming. The findings indicate that more political and institutional involvement in irrigation farming should be considered in order to improve the performance of the sector.

DETERMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL FARMERS AND PROCESS OF MAKING AND USING COMPOST MANURE

2022-02-27T13:23:57-08:00

The use of soil fertility enhancement technologies has become a controversial topic in Sub-Saharan Africa due to their high prices. This has made it difficult for many small-scale farmers to use the equipment. In order to promote low-cost soil fertility enhancement technologies, a study was carried out to determine the utilization of compost manure by smallholder farmers. The study was conducted through individual interviews and observation of 322 smallholder farmers as well as through focus group discussions. The study identified key recommendations for the utilization of compost manure. A knowledge test and a checklist were then developed to evaluate the farmer's knowledge of the technology. The study revealed that the most crucial factor that affected the uptake of compost manure was knowledge. This level of knowledge was required to trigger widespread use of the technology. The study found that the amount of compost that farmers produced was not enough to meet their annual needs. However, they still regarded the technology as beneficial.

CHROMIUM PICOLINATE FEED SUPPLEMENT AND COMPOSITION OF MEAT IN BIRD

2022-02-27T13:57:55-08:00

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of varying chromium picolinate feed supplement and composition of meant in bird. The study was carried out at a university farm in Diponegoro University in Indonesia. Ninety quail chicks were kept in a temperature of 340 degrees Celsius for one day. The chicks were then fed and monitored continuously. For three treatment sessions, the birds were placed in cages with a weight average of 14 days old. Each treatment consisted of three replicates and ten birds. The birds were kept in a cage with a weight of 50x50x50cm for four weeks. The control treatment was given without chromium while treatment one (T1) adding 250μg (0.25mlg) chromium picolinate/kg ration, treatment two (T2) adding 500μg (0.5mlg) chromium picolinate/kg ration. After the experiment ended, six birds were randomly selected for the study. They were weighed and measured for various parameters, such as carcass weight, cooking loss, and meat chemical composition. Statistical analyses revealed that the chromium supplementation did not affect the quail's measurements. It also suggested that the chromium in their ration was adequate to meet their normal requirements.

Associate Professor A REVIEW ON EFFECTS OF OIL SPILLAGE ON FARMLANDS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION IN AKWA IBOM STATE

2022-01-31T09:37:04-08:00

This paper discusses the effects of oil spills on farmlands in Akwa Ibom State. It highlights the concept of crude oil spills, causes of crude oil spillage, factors that determine the extent of oil spill damages, and the effects on farmlands The detestable experiences have various negative effects on farmlands, animals, humans, and aquatic life. Oil spillage should not be compromised. It should not be bargained for and concealed by the government or the elites of the affected communities. It is recommended that the Federal and State governments and oil companies should prevent the occurrence of oil spillage and mount up proper soil bioremediation projects in affected communities for recovery of polluted farmlands.

WILLINGNESS TO PAY (WTP) FOR ORGANIC FOOD: THE CONSUMER PERSPECTIVE

2022-02-27T13:55:55-08:00

Consumption of organic food among consumers in Phillipines has increased in recent times due to increased awareness of health benefits of organic food. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the average amount a consumer is willing to pay in Philippine for fresh organic milk. This paper used the Double Bounded Dichotomous Choice (DBDC) model to identify key determinants of consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for fresh organic milk. The results showed that organic product label, consumers’ awareness about nutritional benefits of organic milk, agility, and income were key determinants of consumers’ WTP for fresh organic milk. The paper estimated average consumers’ willingness to pay for one litre of fresh organic milk to be SAR 14 while the nonparametric estimates of WTP ranged in values from as low as SAR 10 to as high as 12 SAR. The results are important to the domestic dairy companies and existing European organic long-life milk exporters to Philippine to initiate business ventures on organic fresh milk business.